Giants make head-scratching pick in recent national media mock draft
The New York Giants can attack the 2023 NFL Draft in a lot of different ways. Wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback seem like their biggest needs for the early rounds. That being said, they could always throw fans and analysts a curveball. In Lance Zierlein's latest mock draft, the Giants made a peculiar pick. […]
The New York Giants can attack the 2023 NFL Draft in a lot of different ways.
Wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback seem like their biggest needs for the early rounds. That being said, they could always throw fans and analysts a curveball.
In Lance Zierlein's latest mock draft, the Giants made a peculiar pick.
Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama
The smart, tough and consistent Branch can play nickel or step right into the safety spot that opened up with the free agency departure of Julian Love.
Branch is a very good safety prospect. He does have the ability to play in the slot, but outside corner is probably off the table at the NFL level.
The Giants don't need help in the slot nearly as much as they need a top-flight outside CB right now.
For New York, their first-round selection needs to hit one of their biggest needs. Wide receiver is on the table, but they could get a really good WR in round two. Interior offensive line would make more sense than a slot-safety hybrid as well.
Branch would play a role in the Giants defense, but other needs outweigh his potential impact for New York.
Of course, mock drafts are just for different scenarios. You have to respect Zierlein for swapping it up a bit for the Giants.
It just wouldn't be the most impactful pick for their defense in round one.
